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Virgin Media Channel Shake-Up: Tastemade Out, Premier Sports Rugby In
about 1 year agoGB
Virgin Media customers using TiVo, TV V6, or Virgin TV 360 boxes have seen recent changes to their channel lineup. This update involves the removal of a free cooking channel and the addition of a new premium sports channel, reflecting broader shifts in the broadcasting landscape.
Key Insights
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Tastemade Removed:: The free, ad-supported cooking and lifestyle channel Tastemade (Channel 232) is no longer available on Virgin Media.
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Premier Sports Rugby Added:: The UK's first 24/7 dedicated rugby channel, Premier Sports Rugby (Channel 553), has launched on Virgin Media.
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Subscription Required:: Premier Sports Rugby is part of the Premier Sports package, which includes Premier Sports 1 and 2, and typically costs £15.99 per month.
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Promotional Offer:: Virgin Media is offering a limited-time discount, allowing customers to subscribe to the Premier Sports package for £10 per month for the first three months.
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Why this matters:: This highlights the evolving TV landscape, with providers adjusting channel lineups, incorporating more internet-streamed (FAST) channels, while also adding premium subscription options. It also comes amidst general price increases from providers like Virgin Media.
In-Depth Analysis
The removal of Tastemade, a FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) channel delivered via broadband rather than traditional cable, follows a trend seen across the industry. Last year saw the closure of several music channels from Channel 4 and the end of London Live's broadcast. While viewers lose Tastemade's food and lifestyle content, Virgin Media has recently added other FAST channels like Redbull TV (Ch. 556) and Wonder (Ch. 238), alongside existing options like a dedicated Hell's Kitchen channel (Ch. 233).
The major addition is Premier Sports Rugby, offering comprehensive coverage of competitions like the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, United Rugby Championship, TOP14, Japanese Rugby League One, and Major League Rugby. This new channel joins Premier Sports 1 (Ch. 551) and Premier Sports 2 (Ch. 552) in the subscription package, which also features football (Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, La Liga), ice hockey, and more.
While the new rugby channel offers significant value for sports fans, it requires a paid subscription. Virgin Media is promoting this with a discount (£10/month for the first 3 months, then £15.99/month). This channel shake-up occurs as Virgin Media, like other providers, implemented price hikes earlier in the month (around 7.5%), citing increased broadband usage and infrastructure investment.
FAQs
Which channel was removed from Virgin Media?
The free cooking and lifestyle channel Tastemade (Channel 232).
What new channel has been added?
Premier Sports Rugby (Channel 553), a 24/7 channel dedicated to rugby.
Is the new Premier Sports Rugby channel free?
No, it is part of the Premier Sports subscription package. There's a promotional offer of £10/month for the first three months, after which the standard price is £15.99/month.
Which Virgin Media boxes are affected by these changes?
The changes apply to customers using TiVo, TV V6, and Virgin TV 360 set-top boxes.
Key Takeaways
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Check Your Lineup:: If you watched Tastemade, you'll need to find alternative cooking content (e.g., Hell's Kitchen channel on 233 or other streaming apps).
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Rugby Fans Benefit:: If you're a rugby enthusiast, the new dedicated channel offers extensive coverage. Consider the promotional subscription offer if interested.
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Understand TV Trends:: Be aware that channel lineups are dynamic. Free channels may disappear as providers focus on FAST offerings and premium subscriptions, often delivered via your internet connection.
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Budget Accordingly:: Factor in potential costs for premium channel packages, especially in light of recent general price increases for broadband and TV services.
Discussion
Will you miss Tastemade, or are you excited about the new rugby channel? Let us know!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources & References
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Source: Free channel removed from Virgin Media users, but brand-new sports channel releases days later ...at a cost - GB News{:target="_blank"}
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Additional context compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.
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